10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Upstate NY in 2026 (With Pictures)

One of the perks of living somewhere with tons of trails is that you can take your dog out and enjoy the great outdoors with them. And if you’re living in upstate New York, there’s no shortage of trails where you can bring your pup.
We’ve highlighted 10 of the best options where you and your dog can go for a nature walk here!

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Upstate New York
1. Anthony’s Nose
| ️ Address: | 94 S Mountain Pass, Garrison, NY |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Stay on marked trails
- Parking lot does not get snow removal
- Open year-round
2. Sleeping Beauty Mountain and Lake George Trail
| ️ Address: | Sleeping Beauty Mountain Trail, Fort Ann, NY |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Multiple hiking trails of various lengths
- Multiple parking spots
- Amazing views from the peak
3. North Rim and South Rim Red Trail Loop
| ️ Address: | Mariaville Rd, Rotterdam, NY |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- 4-mile loop trail
- They will close during muddy or icy conditions
- Multiple waterfalls to view on the trails
- Very clearly marked trails for you to follow
4. Saint Regis Mountain Trail
| ️ Address: | Adirondack Park Preserve, Paul Smiths, NY |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- 3 miles to the summit
- 1,250-feet ascent and 2,874-feet elevation
- Open year-round
5. Poke-O-Moonshine Ranger Trail
| ️ Address: | Route 9, Chesterfield, NY |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- 8-mile roundtrip trail
- Ascends 1,392 feet to the summit; total elevation is 2,170 feet
- 360-degree views at the summit
- Trail tower is open Thursday through Monday in the summer
6. Breakneck Ridge Trail
| ️ Address: | 472 Bear Mountain-Beacon Hwy, Cold Spring, NY |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Outstanding views
- Very challenging hike—you might need to carry your dog at some points
- Come prepared with everything you might need
7. Buttermilk Falls Gorge Trail
| ️ Address: | 112 E Buttermilk Falls Rd, Ithaca, NY |
| Open Times: | Dusk to dawn |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- 6-mile trail
- 462 feet of total elevation (loop trail)
- It does close seasonally due to weather conditions
- No more than two pets at one time
8. Coney Mountain Trail
| ️ Address: | NY-30, Tupper Lake, NY |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Outstanding views on the trail
- Long trail but no steep ascents
- 1-mile trail each way
- 560-foot ascent and 2,267-foot total elevation
9. Devil’s Hole Trail
| ️ Address: | Niagara Scenic Parkway, Niagara Falls, NY |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-leash allowed? | No |
- 1-mile out-and-back trail
- 403-foot elevation gain throughout the trail
- Outstanding view at the end of the trail
- Not the best-marked trail; bring a marked map
- It can get a bit slippery
10. Pilot Knob Ridge
| ️ Address: | 1195 Pilot Knob Road, Queensbury, NY |
| Open Times: | Dawn to dusk |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- 8-mile out-and-back trail
- Outstanding views from the top
- Challenging but fun hike
- Well-marked and easy-to-follow trail

Conclusion
Now that you know about some outstanding trials, you and your pup can explore. All that’s left is for you to head out and visit some for yourself! Don’t stick with just one trail for you and your pup. Rather, go out and explore a few of the best and take in all the scenic views that upstate New York has to offer!
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Osadcha Olga, Shutterstock
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Adam is a professional freelance writer and animal enthusiast who has rescued countless animals throughout the years. He's been a freelance writer for ten years and has been rescuing animals for even longer! Adam is also a proud father of three kids and is always up for a challenge and adventure!











